Rolak Vertsin
Chairman of the Most Illustrious Guild of Longshoremen and Labourers

Rolak is a huge brute of a man despite his advancing years. He wears good quality and tasteful tailored clothes, but somehow they still look like he stole them off someone else's washing line. Originally from the poorer part of Llaza, on Wester Isle, he started out as a boy working on the docks but through a combination of his fists and quick wits rose to prominence in the guild. His prizefighter's nose and thick accent (he can talk 'proper' when he wants; it's almost become an affectation not to) often fool people into looking down upon him but you cross him at your peril.

The Guild has a lot of power in the city; they can hold it to ransom if they go on strike, and thus prevent the trade which is Llaza's lifeblood. Rolak has made a lot of yen from bribery and extortion of local merchants and shipping companies, and there are rumours that he is not above helping the Black River Society in smuggling and larceny.

Using Rolak
Rolak could be friend or foe to player characters, or both at different times, depending on their interests. He is a brawler, most useful as a combat opponent if the player characters find themselves weaponless. Player characters seeking to join the Black River Society, or to investigate it and shut it down, will likely face Rolak and some Guild heavies early on in their investigations. Player characters allied to a Merchant League house might have to deal with Rolak and his striking workers. Player characters seeking some shady work may find him as their employer. If there's trouble at the docks, Rolak Vertsin will be at the centre of it.